Mario, Snake, and Link: 5 upcoming reasons to buy a Nintendo 3DS

So you have your 3DS, or you're on the fence. What games are coming that you' …

Ever since Nintendo launched the 3DS at the end of March, the biggest complaint levied at the handheld—well, aside from the paltry battery life—has been the underwhelming launch line-up. There has been a smattering of good games, like Steel Diver and Pilotwings Resort, but no real system-seller. If you've been on the fence about picking up a 3DS, there hasn't been much released since to sway your opinion. Thankfully, that looks like it will change with what should be a pretty solid line-up of games slated to usher in the era of 3D handhelds properly.

Here's what Ars is looking forward to the most.

Super Mario 3DS

We still don't know a whole lot about the brand-new Super Mario game that was announced at this year's Game Developer's Conference, but what we do know is encouraging. Namely that it's being developed by Nintendo EAD Tokyo, the same team behind the two sublime Super Mario Galaxy titles for the Wii. Possibly even better is the game's logo, which hints that we'll finally see the return of the much-loved raccoon tail power-up from Super Mario Bros. 3. The game is slated for a release at some point this year and more details will be revealed at the upcoming E3 in June.

Mario Kart 3DS

Mario Kart DS was, and still is, one of the system's best games. Not only was it a solidly crafted and just plain fun racer, but it was also one of the few titles that made going through the hassle of Nintendo's convoluted online system worth it. Playing MKDS online worked, and it worked well. It also managed to use some of the DS's unique features in ways that complimented the gameplay without feeling gimicky, such as the very helpful map on the lower screen. Like Super Mario 3DS, solid details on MK3DS are few and far between, but with E3 looming and an expected release of the fourth quarter of 2011, it shouldn't be long before we hear why it'll be the 3DS's racer of choice.

You might not hate this so much in 3D

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D

Just as the GameBoy Advance was a breeding ground for SNES ports, the 3DS appears to be getting its fair share of N64 remakes. The 3DS version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will feature the original game, the remixed "master quest" version, and an all new "boss challenge" mode. Producer Eiji Aonuma has also stated that the addition of a touchscreen should make some portions of the game more intuitive and less frustrating—specifically the infamously difficult Water Temple. It's also one of the best games ever made playable in your pocket, so there's not much to complain about. Ocarina of Time will make its 3D debut on June 19.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

There's more than just first-party Nintendo games to get excited about, though. As Capcom proved with the 3DS version of Street Fighter IV, it's possible to make great-looking versions of console games on the handheld. Enter Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D. The game uses characters and locations from both Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, but instead of a story-based game, it's an expansion of the "mercenaries" minigames. Which means that you'll be able to play a variety of modes where the ultimate objective is to kill as many bad guys as you can within a certain time frame. More importantly, the game supports online co-op play, so you don't have to fight crazy giant axe-wielding maniacs alone.

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D demo from E3 2010

Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D

Kojima Productions is also aboard the 3DS remake train, and is developing a new version of the PlayStation 2 classic Metal Gear Solid 3. Though the version shown at last year's E3 wasn't playable, it showed off some impressive visuals that made great use of the 3DS's 3D capabilities. Again, details are sparse, but series mastermind Hideo Kojima has said that he wants to incorporate elements from the well received MGS: Peace Walker on the PSP into the game, possibly including the much touted co-op feature.

Those are just the games we know are coming out this year. Star Fox 64 3D has been confirmed for Japan in July, and the latest Professor Layton has already been released over there. Plus, there's a strange Layton/Ace Attorney title in the works as well as new entries in the Paper Mario, Assassin's Creed, and Animal Crossing series. So if you're thinking about buying a 3DS but are waiting on some great games, it looks like you won't have to wait long.